The Cork-Waterford point-to-point circuit gets underway at Dromahane on Sunday with the opening fixture in the region having attracted a good entry of 139.
R1 – ITBA 4YO Mares Maiden
HONEY IM GOOD seemed to improve for the break following her Knockmullen House debut in the spring, as she took a significant step forward when second on Good ground at Monksgrange a fortnight ago. Third at Ballingarry a week earlier, Diana Prince is the only other horse in this with a previous completed effort to their name.
R2 – Tattersalls Ireland 4YO Geldings Maiden
GARDE DES CHAMPS (pictured above) has a number of potential engagements this weekend, and if taking up this entry the Oldcastle runner-up would look to set the standard with Droans Bridge and Bolamore Bridge, who hail from the in-form Colin Bowe yard that won four-year-old geldings maidens at both of last weekends two fixtures, look the alternatives.
R3 – Aidan Fitzgerald & Sam Curling Horse Trainers 5YO Geldings Maiden
LOST CITY OF GOLD cost plenty as a three-year-old and he delivered on that price tag with a very encouraging debut at Lingstown in the Spring, finishing a close second to the more experienced Sunset West having been the subject of market support. Absent since finishing third at Portrush 12 months ago, the French-bred Flamenco De Kerser has been sent off as the favourite for each of last two outings and would have to be fancied to go close once again here.
R4 – Dairygold Pegus Horse Feeds Winners of Two
Second in a Hunter Chase last season, this would look an ideal starting point for SAINT BENEDICT to kick off his new campaign having won well around Nenagh on his penultimate outing. The Cragmore maiden winner Heydour is certainly capable of getting a lot closer than he managed when disappointing at Downpatrick before the lockdown, whilst Crutches Lad is another capable individual when at his best.
R5 – Michael Flynn Construction 5YO Mares Maiden
DAZZLING GLORY had put up a brave effort from the front at Oldcastle on her debut and looked to be booked for a promising second-placed finish before coming down at the final fence. A repeat of that opening promise would see her set the standard in this, with the dangers perhaps coming from Latino Fling and Blue Milan.
R6 – Harkin & Associates Auctioneers & Valeurs 6YO Geldings Maiden
Second at Necarne last month, HOUSTON TEXAS brings the strongest recent form to his and this would look an ideal opportunity to go one place better. Pointing newcomer Sleight Of Hand ran two respectable races in Bumpers for Nicky Henderson before stopping very quickly in his two outings over hurdles and he could be a danger if any issues have been ironed out having joined a new yard, whilst Reinvent should improve for his return at Oldcastle having twice finished placed last term.
